Early primary voters setting records across Indiana

SOUTH BEND (WSBT) Â? Lines are growing at polling places across the area, and some say early voters could now play a key role in deciding Indiana's primary races.

Indiana's primary isn't until Tuesday, but voter turnout is already setting new records. More than 113,000 people have voted early across Indiana, according to the Indiana Secretary of State's office. That's twice the number who voted early in the 2004 presidential primary.

In St. Joseph County, more than 6,500 voters had cast their ballot early by Friday afternoon. That's already more than triple the 2,196 early voters from 2004, and with another 1,000 absentee ballots still mailed, but not returned, the numbers are only expected to grow.

It's quickly become the new theme of Campaign '08, and even the candidates are taking up the message: Vote early to make sure your vote counts.

It's a message voters seem to be hearing loud and clear.

"[We are talking about setting a record for St. Joseph County] for a primary," said St. Joseph County Clerk Rita Glenn. "Yes, I think we are."

And St. Joseph County isn't alone.

Marshall County Clerk Patty Jones reported 985 absentee or early voters by Friday afternoon. That's more than double her "normal" amount of early ballots.

Same story in Fulton, Starke, LaGrange and Kosciusko counties, where increases ranged from 25-50 percent.

In Elkhart County, 1,480 voters had walked into the County Courts Building in Elkhart or the courthouse in Goshen to vote early, and another 596 ballots had been mailed in.

That's more than three times the "normal" amount for a primary there.

So, why the big boost?

"People are listening. People are trying to make a difference," said Glenn. "We've seen every make of person, every age group. Every nationality has been coming in."

Glenn also said records show a boost in voter registration, particularly from minority, teenage and female voters.

Tykese Jenkins is one of them. She's voting for the first time for a clear reason.

"I hope the candidate I vote for ends up getting in and changing the economy and jobs," she said after casting her ballot at the County-City Building.

And even though it's all a little overwhelming, there's no hiding that "first time voter" smile.

"[I am] excited, very!" she said.

Still, the reasons for voting early may be as varied as the voters themselves. Some said they would be out of town on Tuesday. Others said they just wanted to "get it over with," or "beat the crowd."

But one thing now appears universal: History is in the making, and if you want to be a part of it, it's best to be prepared to get in line.